Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: Forest Right Act (FRA) will undoubtedly transform the lives of lakhs of people of nomadic tribes and forest dwellers of Jammu and Kashmir, who were landless since centuries.
This was stated by tribal researcher Dr Javaid Rahi while interacting with tribal elders residing in periphery areas of Jammu city.
Three awareness programmes were organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) where in clan heads of Gujjars-Bakerwals were invited.
In his presidential address, Dr Javaid Rahi informed that FRA implementation will not only end harassments of tribes but provide a sense of confidence and responsibility among them.
He impressed upon the tribal elders that they should be ready with atleast two proofs of their possession on forest land dating back 2005, when FRA was implemented in other States of India. He said the other eligibility is that their livelihood must be dependent on forest only.
While replying a query, he stated that those who are migratory tribes and groups should apply under both individual rights and community rights on pastures, dhoks etc.
He said now tribal are not only entitled for ownership right on forests but they are eligible to cultivate, use minor forest produce except timber, access to water resources besides they will now have grazing rights on forest lands, as well.
He hoped that FRA will be implemented rapidly in the UT as the same was extended to J&K after 14 years of its implementation across India.
He said that the TRCF has formulated a programme to help tribes and nomadic groups especially Gujjars Bakerwals to fill up their individual and community claims.
Those clan heads present in the meetings include Choudhary Haji Faiz Bokda, Mohammad Lattif Bokda, Ismial Khatana, Ghulam Hassan Poswal, Irshad Poswal, Haji Freed Khatana, Mohammed Phamda and others.
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